Maddy summarySD 2039 modifies Massachusetts unemployment law to clarify when workers affected by labor disputes can receive benefits. It establishes a 30-day waiting period for benefits if unemployment stems from a labor dispute, but exempts workers if the dispute involves an employer failing to follow contracts, wage laws, or collective bargaining agreements. The bill also protects workers during lockouts (employer-imposed work stoppages), preventing benefit denial if employees are ready to work and the employer cannot prove union-caused property damage. This directly affects workers in disputes over wages, hours, or working conditions, ensuring eligibility unless they actively participated in the dispute or belong to the same worker group causing it.
Sen. Paul Feeney
Sponsored bills
By Mr. Feeney, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 237) of Paul R. Feeney for legislation to limit the amount of self-checkout stations located in grocery establishments and impose fines for multiple violations. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.
Maddy summarySD 2303 requires all public elementary, secondary, and higher education schools in Massachusetts to conduct energy audits every five years, prioritizing schools in environmental justice communities. The bill mandates audits include ventilation verification assessments by qualified personnel to ensure proper indoor air quality and energy efficiency improvements. It establishes a new Healthy and Sustainable Schools Office within the Department of Energy Resources to oversee implementation, coordinate with school authorities, and develop audit reports. The office will prioritize schools serving communities with lower median incomes or higher minority populations to address environmental equity.
Maddy summaryMassachusetts bill SD 1867 establishes a state task force within the Department of Transportation to address roadside litter. The task force, led by the Transportation Secretary and including tourism, public safety, environmental, and cleanup organization representatives, will create a statewide anti-littering campaign and analyze annual cleanup costs, funding sources, and high-impact areas. It must also evaluate current litter enforcement, fines, and recommend funding needs for cleanup and enforcement by December 2026. The report will be submitted to the governor and relevant legislative committees, focusing on concrete policy changes for highway litter management.
Senate, December 11, 2025 -- The committee on Housing to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 989) of Paul R. Feeney for legislation to establish the missing-middle starter home development and home ownership program, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2832).
By Mr. Feeney, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 990) of Paul R. Feeney for legislation relative to manufactured housing communities. Housing.
By Mr. Feeney, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 991) of Paul R. Feeney for legislation to create a interagency supportive housing finance and strategy board to end and prevent homelessness. Housing.
By Mr. Feeney, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 989) of Paul R. Feeney for legislation to establish the missing-middle starter home development and home ownership program. Housing.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires private employers with 11 or more employees providing "essential services" (as defined in emergency orders) to pay essential workers 1.5 times their regular wage during a Governor-declared public health emergency. It also mandates that employers provide free personal protective equipment (PPE) meeting health agency guidelines. Essential workers may refuse unsafe work without penalty if they face health risks to themselves, household members, or lack childcare during the emergency. The law excludes government employees and certain exempt workers, and enforcement falls to the Attorney General under existing wage laws.
By Mr. Feeney, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1324) of Paul R. Feeney and Jason M. Lewis for legislation relative to update overtime salary thresholds and codifying definitions to protect middle-class workers. Labor and Workforce Development.